The novel begins with the events that precede the accident from which he book gets its title. Eliezer is in Times Square with his girlfriend Kathleen. After discussing what to do for the evening, the two go to a diner where, much to Kathleen's chagrin. Eliezer barely eats anything. The two then decided to go see the film version of Dostoyevskys The Brothers Karamazov. While crossing the street to the theatre. Eliezer is hit by a cab and dragged several feet through the intersection. While being rushed to the hospital he gives Kathleen very clear instructions about who to inform and other menial task he needs her to perform for him. He then falls into a coma and does not wake up for another five days. The first hospital he is taken to says they